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ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD

Treatment can help people who have ADHD to focus more effectively, be more calm and less impatient. It's usually a mix of therapy and medicine.

Stimulants boost activity in the parts of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for adults suffering from ADHD.

Stimulants

Stimulants are medicines that boost brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior. They are typically prescribed as part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The stimulants increase the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. This makes it easier for you to concentrate and lessens the effects of certain impulses, such as those that trigger impulsive behavior. Stimulants are generally well tolerated by children and adults but some people may have side effects, such as jitteriness, headaches or an increased heart rate.

There are a number of different stimulant medications that are available such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine), Atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results of the biggest network meta-analysis to date, published by the British Medical Journal in 2016 support amphetamines for adults with ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine, now also licensed for use in the UK is a benefit over shorter-acting amphetamines because it is less likely to wear off during the day, and only requires one dose daily. Previously, patients would have needed to take short-acting stimulants 3 or 4 times per day, but this isn't always easy for patients who forget to take their medication and can cause a lack of adhering to the medication.

A thorough medical history is essential to help determine whether a person with ADHD has any other conditions that may be causing their symptoms. A medical condition such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea or other ailments might be causing your child's fatigue or difficulty concentration. You should also mention any issues with substance abuse to your doctor. A prolonged use of prescription, over-the counter or illegal drugs could impact your child's ability to concentrate.

Many medical professionals recommend that children be treated for ADHD to enhance their school performance and make it possible for them to develop into healthy, happy adults. However the decision to treat a child for ADHD is not considered lightly by parents and can be a long and complex procedure. A lot of children will experience side effects, such as irritability, insomnia and anxiety, but the majority of the time, these issues can be overcome by careful monitoring and gradual increases in dosage.

Some parents decide to pursue private treatment for their child, which involves regular appointments with a specialist psychiatrist to get started on medication and monitor the progress. It could take up here to five appointments, and subsequent fortnightly or monthly visits when the child is accustomed to the medication. Many families are surprised to learn that NHS waiting lists are very long, and private healthcare is a more efficient method to care. Your GP will receive a comprehensive report on your child's progress. They will then follow the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In certain cases you could be asked to return to the NHS for this procedure to continue to ensure that your GP is aware of all medication that has been prescribed to your child. They will conduct regular reviews and checks.